When Lady Gaga appeared before the curious lenses of the media wearing a stylish white number in August shortly after the release of her new single "Applause," the Queen of Pop shared the real applause with the talented designer of her outfit, Jamie Wei Huang.

An outfit from Jamie Wei Huang's 2014 spring collection that was worn by Lady Gaga. Photos: Courtesy of Xintiandi

Unlike the eye-catching and exaggerated attire that have come to define the singer, this two-piece was comparatively simple: a transparent crop top decorated with white ceramic hexagons, and a pair of wide-legged white pants featuring pleats on the waist and the legs. Gaga's preference for the Taiwan-born designer was confirmed when she wore another outfit from Huang's spring 2014 collection "Light Space" to a VMA rehearsal the next day.

Recently, Huang was in Shanghai with a number of Taiwanese designers for a showcase of cutting-edge fashion from across the Straits. Starting from yesterday and running until October 23, the latest designs by these sartorial talents are currently on display in the hall of the South Block at Xintiandi (Lane 123 Xingye Road).

The B1 floor of Xintiandi Style (245 Madang Road) will host a pop-up store, where shoppers can pick up interesting pieces by both exhibited and un-exhibited designers from Taiwan.

An outfit from Jamie Wei Huang's 2014 spring collection that was worn by Lady Gaga. Photos: Courtesy of Xintiandi

Ingenious and pragmatic

"What I valued most when selecting the designers for the exhibition is their originality and creativity. Not only do they showcase the different possibilities in clothing, they are also capable of transforming their genius ideas into practical and functional items," said Shocann Chen, the curator-in-chief of the event.

Huang told the Global Times that her 2014 spring/summer collection, which debuted at the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Berlin in July, will be unveiled to fashionistas in the city.

Designer Jamie Wei Huang

The collection, which is inspired by Op Art that plays with geometric forms and optical illusions, applies metallic fabrics combined with refined cuttings to produce a futuristic elegance with a masculine touch.

Huang, an art enthusiast, set up her label this year in London after she graduated from the prestigious Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design and was selected as a top five finalist for the Designer for Tomorrow Award, being mentored by Stella McCartney. Four years ago, the then 24-year-old Huang was selected as an artistic representative for the Société Nationale des Beaux-Arts and won a bronze medal at Le Salon 2012 from the Société des Artistes Français.

Also featured at the exhibition is the London-based women's wear label Deploy Demi-Couture, founded by Taiwan-born designer Bernice Pan in 2005. Like Huang, Pan is well-trained in both art and fashion: she studied architecture at Cambridge University and the Royal College of Art, and later earned her PhD in fashion innovation and mass customization.

Latest designs by Taiwanese talents are on display at the pop-up store in Xintiandi.

Among the designs by Deploy Demi-Couture, you may find that a blouse can be turned into a dress with simple hidden fastenings. The multi-functionality of the designs to cater for a modern woman's busy lifestyle has become the brand's signature characteristic.

Another must-see exhibit is men's wear brand Find, which originally brought foreign brands to Taiwan and later set up its own label. Find mixes orthodox tailoring with modern popular elements to make practical, stylish clothes.

Visitors will also have a view of the stunning "Bye Bye Youth" collection from the label Ming, created by Taiwanese designer Ming-Pin Tein. The collection was inspired by World War II-set Chinese films Nanjing! Nanjing! and The Flowers of War and features a sharp contradiction between subdued colors and rigid forms from soldiers' and students' uniforms.

Latest designs by Taiwanese talents are on display at the pop-up store in Xintiandi.

Chen noted that compared with the fashion scene in Shanghai, which favors luxury and high-end ready-to-wear outfits, the Taiwanese tend to prefer independent designers and they like to mix and match pieces to create their own look.

"So when you stroll on the streets of Taiwan, it's more likely you'll see an individual's own aesthetics revealed by their clothing rather than to witness a few prevailing fashion styles of the latest season," added Chen, who is a magazine columnist.

Thus the pop-up store of Taiwanese labels will offer Shanghai residents a chance to view independent designs from the island and to assemble their own outfit.

Products on sale include hybrid designs by S.H.I.T. (which stands for simple, humor, idea, Taiwan), intricate accessories by UMIC as well as stylish women's wear by Jolin Wu. Also on October 16, 18 and 20, there will be three events featuring dialogues between Chen and industry insiders from Taiwan and Shanghai, which open free to the public. Visit event.weibo.com/2350024 for detailed information.

Latest designs by Taiwanese talents are on display at the pop-up store in Xintiandi.